Pomodoro: A great pasta and an even better study method

I love both the pasta and the method.

Unfortunately, I’m not the best cook, so I can’t give you tips on how to make perfect pomodoro pasta. But luckily, I am pretty good at using the Pomodoro technique.

What is the Pomodoro method?

If you haven’t heard of it before, the Pomodoro technique is a time management method that breaks study or work into 25-minute sessions, followed by short 5-minute breaks. And after four of these, there’s a longer break for about twenty minutes. It is said to improve focus, reduce mental fatigue, and help you get things done more efficiently.

So why is it called “Pomodoro”?

The creator, Francesco Cirillo, invented it in the 1980s when he was a university student. He used a tomato-shaped kitchen timer. And since “pomodoro” means tomato in Italian, the name is still used to this day.

How does the Pomodoro method work?

It’s quite simple. 

1. Choose a task you want to complete

2. Set a timer (25 minutes or your preferred time)

3. Work without distractions

4. Take a short break

5. Repeat, and after four times take a longer break

My experience with it

This was actually one of the first study methods I ever tried, so I have a lot of experience with it. I’ve tested a lot of different apps and ways to track time, and I’ve used it in all kinds of situations.

To explain my experience, I’ll talk about two main ways I use/have used the Pomodoro technique:

• for lighter studying (like homework or projects)

• and for deeper studying (like preparing for tests)

  
  

And I’ll include how I time a session, how long each session is and what rules I follow.

Using Pomodoro for lighter studying:

I really like the Pomodoro method for lighter studying, especially when I’m not feeling motivated.

Usually, I come home tired and end up procrastinating instead of doing my homework. But when I tell myself, “just one Pomodoro,” I often get way more done than I originally planned. 

Because homework doesn’t require as much deep focus as studying for a test, I’m also more flexible with how I time my sessions. Sometimes, instead of using a timer, I use music. For example, I’ll decide to study until a certain number of songs have been played. Or until I reach a certain song in my playlist.

Speaking of timing, the “classic” Pomodoro is 25 minutes of work and a 5-minute break, but honestly, I don’t like that setup. I know it works well for a lot of people, but for me, 25 minutes just isn’t enough. I usually need about 15 minutes just to fully get into focus, which leaves me only 10 minutes of real productivity. That’s why I prefer longer sessions, usually around 35-40 minutes, followed by a 10-minute break.

When it comes to lighter studying, I’m also not very strict with the rules. Francesco Cirillo suggested that once a Pomodoro starts, you should keep working until the timer rings. Even if you finish early - by reviewing or improving your work.

But for me, that doesn’t always work. My schedule is often tight, so if I finish a task early, I usually just move on to the next thing instead of forcing myself to fill the remaining time. 

Using Pomodoro for deeper studying:

Studying for a test needs so much more focus and dedication than just doing homework. That’s why my sessions are longer and the rules are stricter. I mostly use the Pomodoro method when I’m blurting, because it’s easier to start and take breaks with a clear time limit.

When I’m doing more focused work I only use a timer on my phone - no music, no videos. And I put my phone out of my sight. Often in a nearby drawer. That way I don’t get distracted and can focus on studying. 

Each study session is usually as long as a lesson in our school, so about 45 minutes. And breaks should be 10 minutes, but honestly they’re double that (oops). In my defense, after 45 minutes of continuous effort I deserve a longer break.

With lighter studying I’m not really strict about the rule of not finishing until the timer runs out. Well, with deeper studying I am. Even when I have a minute left on the timer I still revise or start learning a new paragraph, because then I can get ahead of myself. Also, it’s a great rule because the brain doesn’t like unfinished tasks, so after the break it’s easier to return and continue.

I really like that you can vary and make little changes with the technique to fit your conditions. Like I’ve made my changes to fit lighter and deeper studying.

Here’s an overview of the Pomodoro technique:

Preparation: Nothing, except only a way to measure time (phone, clock, music, etc.)

Time: Traditionally one session is 25 minutes, but you can adjust it from 10 to 60 minutes.

Efficiency: Helps you boost how much and how fast you get things done. Definitely worth trying!

Annoying: Isn't annoying at all. The only thing I could fine is that sometimes it could be annoying to start and put off the timer all the time.

Result: I feel like with the Pomodoro metod get more things done, because I kind of have a time pressure and can challenge myself. It also helps with procrastination, because it lowers the barrier to start. Saying “just 25 minutes” feels easier than “I need to study for 2 hours”.

Will I try it again: Absolutely! It's actually part of my daily routine to do at least my lighter studying with Pomodoro.

Personal tip: If the timer goes off and you feel like you're in the zone - ignore the timer. Work a bit more until you feel tired and just take a longer, well-deserved break. You can make it fun: with music, video or with a challenge. For example you can challenge yourself to finish solving three math problems before the timer goes off or before a certain number of songs have been played.

Conclusion

Overall, I think the Pomodoro method is one of the most effective study techniques I’ve tried. It’s flexible, easy to use, and helps me stay focused even when I don’t feel motivated.

In reality, it’s not motivation that gets me to do my homework. It’s a tomato.